My one owner 66 A100!

Well I sold the parts van to a good home and those funds went into the paint the van funds! The shop has been busy so no progress as of late.

Sweeetvan, On the front drop, because you are moving the axle in a different point on an elliptical bend (the leaf spring) it in turn changes the caster and camber because all the settings are fixed in the solid axle. When setting up any front end, Rule of thumb is you want as much caster as you can get. Thats basically how well the steering returns to center 5 deg is a good amount to have and more the merrier. Caster does not cause tire wear. Camber on the other hand does. On the solid front axles you need to get the caster back where it was and camber will follow. It always goes caster, camber, toe in that order when doing alignments etc.

Cool Build Man!

Wheelie,
How's the A100 project coming? Like to see some more pictures and an update when you get time.
Sweetvan

Thanks for checking up, I have been parts collecting mostly. I managed to get a full airride set up for it and all the materials for fabricating what I need. I just have been too busy working on everyone else stuff that mine keeps getting further on back burner but thats good! The time has allowed me to step back and further plan the build. I haven't seen one done up real nice for Goodguys and I don't think I even saw one this year at all. Thats my motivation to get it done!

Before you change the front suspension, could you explain more or show some pictures? What did you mean by flipping the front axel? Did you change it from being mounted under the leaf springs to on top? Did you get that aligned correctly? Do you plan to keep the solid axel or replace it with independent suspension? Did santa visit your place? Happy New Year.

The axle got placed on top of the leafs and I made a custom "pocket" that allows the axle to sit inside that pocket because the top of the spring isn't flat like the bottom. I was able to get it aligned pretty well. I have a manual trans the shifter linkage hits the axle over bumps. So far that's the only snag but I haven't decided if I am swapping it for a IFS setup yet. I'm also looking at engine/trans swaps. I really want to put a new Hemi in it. Santa did visit my kiddos but left me no van parts or money

Wheelie, just read the entire thread on your van. Very interesting and informative, but, what has happened since Dec., 2014? I have a blue '66 A100 project myself, that now has an IFS and 4-link coil-over suspension, the slant 6 has been replaced with a mildly built 318, and the old 727 has been replaced by an A518. Hoping to have it back on the road soon, and was curious how your van has progressed.

Thanks Charlie. Unfortunately as far as progress, My van is currently sitting in storage. My business has grown so much that it has sat on the back burner. Im really hoping to get back to it. I see your near me. Sounds like your van has a ton of the stuff done that I need to do to mine. Very interested in checking it out especially what all was involved in the trans swap. Was thinking of going that route. Still not sure I wanna ditch the six

When I get mine finished and back on the road, I'll try to contact you, and arrange a convenient time to make the trip to Plano to swap information and let you see the work that's been done on the van for yourself. Hopefully, it may help you in some way. I'll also be able to tell you if it was worth going through all of this, or not. Either way...too late to turn back, now !

Glad you still have your van, and that your business is doing well. Hoping some day you will be able to return to your project, and get it back on the road, too. Good luck !

wow, so photobucket screwed me out of all my build pics. how crappy